Peripheral Neuropathy Defined by Monofilament Insensitivity and Diabetes Status

OBJECTIVE To determine whether diabetes status, including prediabetes, is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy as defined by monofilament insensitivity. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study used data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (n = 7,818). Peripheral neuropathy was defined as one or more insensate sites detected by a Semmes-Weinstein 10-g monofilament. Generalized linear models were used to directly estimate relative risks (RRs) for the association of diabetes status and peripheral neuropathy. RESULTS After adjustment compared with no diabetes, prediabetes [RR 1.11 (95% CI 0.92-1.34)] and undiagnosed diabetes [1.08 (0.73-1.61)] were associated with modest increases in risk of peripheral neuropathy, and diabetes was associated with a 74% higher risk of peripheral neuropathy [1.74 (1.50-2.01)]. CONCLUSIONS Diabetes is associated with increased risk of peripheral neuropathy defined by monofilament insensitivity, but prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes may be associated with only a modest increase in risk.